Birds of a feather may normally flock together, but such was not poor Paris’ fate. Her story likely begins in a pet shop, where it is believed she was purchased for the distinct purpose of being used as a “release dove” at a wedding.
“The idea of releasing white doves after marriage vows are made may be a symbolic gesture meaning peace and unity to humans but, to the birds themselves, it’s often a death sentence,” warns Erin Bain, an animal caretaker at the Senior Animals In Need Today Society (SAINTS) in Mission. “Barbary or ringneck doves like Paris can’t survive in the wild. They are completely domesticated, with no fear of predators and no knowledge of naturally occurring food. They also have no homing instinct … but this is not widely known.”
Paris, whose exact age is a mystery, was “lucky” in that she was spotted by a good Samaritan in a garden in a residential neighbourhood, and brought to SAINTS, where she has been patiently waiting for a safe and loving home.
“We know that Paris is an adult, likely between two and five years old,” Bain says, explaining that doves can live for up to 12 years. “She is tame and can be handled easily enough to be taken in and out of her cage, while being confined safely indoors.”
Doves, she adds, are gentle, easy birds to care for, and the hope of everyone on the SAINTS team is that a bird-loving adopter will soon step up and give Paris the care and love she so deserves.
For more info on Paris and other adoptable animals visit saintsrescue.ca.
